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South Africa flexed their muscles for a World Cup showdown with England by smashing Samoa 59-7 in impressive fashion at Parc des Princes.

The Pool A favourites, who meet England in Paris next Friday night, recovered from a hesitant start to score 50 unanswered points.

Wing Bryan Habana showcased his mesmeric finishing quality by claiming four high-class tries, while full-back Percy Montgomery weighed in with 29 points from a try double, three penalties and five conversions. Centre Jaque Fourie and wing JP Pietersen also touched down, while Samoa had to content themselves with a Gavin Williams try that he also converted.

Samoan substitute Brian Lima set a World Cup record when he appeared midway through the second period – it was his fifth successive tournament – but he departed just three minutes later after being dazed in a midfield collision.

Eight-try South Africa had already spoilt his party, and compared with England’s stuttering display in seeing off a limited USA side in Lens, the Springboks were ruthless at key moments of a punishing contest. Unlike England, they were able to move through the gears with consummate ease, scoring three tries in nine minutes during the third quarter to end the game as a contest.

England knew they had a mountain to climb at Stade de France in five days’ time, but it appears to be of Himalayan proportions.

Three early Montgomery penalties eased South Africa into the contest, and despite a lively spell of Samoan pressure that culminated in Williams slicing through their defence, the Springboks were never seriously threatened afterwards.

Steyn enthused confidence in those players around him, notably midfield partner Fourie, and despite Samoa coach Michael Jones ringing changes off the bench, his team spent the second period in prolonged defensive mode.

England should be too organised for the Samoans in Nantes on September 22, but South Africa are next on their World Cup agenda, with current evidence suggesting they will finish a distant second-best.